10 Favorite Plant-based Food Finds at Costco

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As a personal trainer and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, I make it my mission to look for healthy plant-based foods to incorporate into my diet and share with clients.

Maybe it’s hitting the big 4-0, but my idea of fun is walking up and down the aisles of Costco seeing what new, healthy and organic foods they have! On my latest trip, I came across these 10 plant-based foods that anyone can incorporate into their lifestyle! Plus you get a great deal!

1) Organic chia seeds

I add these to my protein shakes to give them a boost of calcium, fiber and omega 3s! They also expand and keep you fuller longer!

2) Unsweetened almond milk

I use almond milk as a base for my protein shakes and in my overnight oats. For only 30 calories per cup, you can enjoy it guilt free!

3) Organic Hemp Hearts

These have a nutty taste and provide 10 grams of protein in 3 tablespoons! They make a great addition to your salads, smoothies or coconut yogurt.

4) Almonds

Just 23 almonds as an afternoon snack provides you with calcium, magnesium, potassium and 6 grams of protein! And, yes, apparently my cat likes them, too!

5) Avocados

6 avocados for only $5.99? Thank you Costco! I eat them plain, in my salads, and even to make pudding. They are a great source of potassium and vitamin C to support a healthy immune system.

6) Almond Butter

Need I say more! I eat the stuff out of the jar, it’s so addictive! A great snack at night to satisfy a sweet tooth is 3 frozen banana slices topped with almond butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

7) Organic Riced Cauliflower

It’s a great alternative to rice if you’re trying to reduce your carb intake. My personal favorite is cilantro lime cauliflower rice with black beans.

8) Organic Blueberries

These are a staple in my freezer, and they are great for my morning smoothie. They have lots of anti-oxidants and fiber to keep your digestion on point.

9) Organic Coffee

Because . . . COFFEE!!! I start my morning with 2 cups of coffee and a splash of almond milk. The caffeine is a great pre-workout.

10) Organic Cacao Powder

This “sweet” find is great for chocolate lovers. Mix it into a shake, make protein energy balls, cacao banana ice cream, black bean brownies, the possibilities are endless!

Costco is always stocking its shelves with new, healthy foods that I look forward to sharing with you. Stay up to date with all these food finds, as well as, healthy tips and recipes by following me @yourfaveveggiegal on Instagram for more inspiration.

Spinach & Seitan Chickpea Omelet

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It’s a snowy day and I was craving tofu eggs again, but I was out of tofu. So I whipped up this recipe with chickpea flour. Chickpea flour is high in fiber and protein. Just a 1/4 cup has 6 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber! So give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chickpea flour
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp pink Himalayan sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup raw spinach
  • 1/4 cup seitan crumbles
  • Coconut oil spray to grease the pan
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Directions:

Mix all healthy the ingredients except for the spinach and seitan in a bowl. Heat pan and spray with coconut oil over medium heat. Pour batter into pan and put the spinach and seitan on top. Let it cook about 5 minutes or just until you can flip the omelet with a spatula. Cook for 1 more minute. Sprinkle wth a little salt and hot sauce and enjoy!

Avocado Smoothie Bowl

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I ordered some new coconut bowls, and I couldn’t wait to use them! You may ask why put your smoothie into a bowl? It takes time to prep a smoothie bowl and it looks beautiful! It also helps you to slow down and become mindful of what you’re eating! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1 cup raw spinach
  • 1 tsp spirulina
  • 1/3 tsp reishi mushroom powder
  • 1/2 Tbs coconut milk powder
  • 1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup water
  • Handful of ice

Optional toppings:

  • Banana slices
  • Cacao nibs
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes

Blend together and put in a bowl topped with some banana slices, cacao nibs and unsweetened coconut! Yum!

Spinach and Onion Tofu Scramble

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Ingredients:

  • 1/4 package of organic extra firm tofu
  • 2 cups raw spinach
  • 1/2 yellow onion
  • 1/2 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp organic turmeric powder
  • Pink Himalayan sea salt and pepper to taste
  • Cayenne pepper sauce (optional)
  • Avocado or coconut oil spray

Directions:

Spray a pan with coconut oil or avocado oil on medium-low heat. Sautee the onions and spinach until wilted. Add the tofu and mash with a fork so it looks “scrambled”. Add the spices and cook another minute. Drizzle with hot sauce and enjoy!

Detox Coleslaw Salad

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I am growing fresh herbs in my kitchen right now, and I decided to use the cilantro and parsley to garnish this salad. Cilantro detoxifies heavy metals from the body, while parsley helps relieve bloating, improves digestion and is high in anti-oxidants.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups coleslaw
  • 1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 avocado
  • 1/4 cup roasted red pepper, cut into strips
  • 2 large garlic stuffed green olives, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro and parsley to garnish
  • Pink Himalayan sea salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbs apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar

Directions:

Combine everything in a bowl and garnish with the parsley and cilantro. Enjoy!